Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted form, also known as Common Flicker, Yellowhammer, or Clay-backed Woodpecker)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Colaptes, Species: C. auratus
Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers and allies)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a slightly rounded to squared tip, typical of stout woodpecker tail feathers adapted for propping against tree bark.
- Size
- Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches long, consistent with a medium-sized woodpecker tail feather. Tail feathers for this species typically range from 3 to 5 inches.
- Rarity
- Very Common and widespread throughout its natural range.
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Description
The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black, a white rump patch that is conspicuous in flight, and a crescent-shaped red mark on the nape. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend a significant amount of time on the ground foraging for ants.
Colour & Pattern
Striking tricolor pattern featuring a warm cinnamon-brown or tan base, a broad jet-black subterminal band, and a pale whitish-grey tip. The rachis transitions from reddish-brown at the base to black near the tip.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked and stiff pennaceous structure with strong hooklets (barbicels) designed for durability and weight-bearing against rough surfaces. The base shows slight semiplume characteristics.
Texture & Surface
Stiff, smooth, and matte finish with high rigidity along the vane to support the bird's weight while foraging vertically on trees.
Key Features
Distinctive combination of rich cinnamon-brown base color, a bold solid black subterminal band, and a pale grey-white tip, combined with the stiff, pointed shaft typical of woodpecker rectrices.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, savannas, clearings, suburban parks, and orchards with scattered large trees and snags for nesting.
Geographic Range
Widespread across North America, extending from the tree line in Alaska and Canada down through the United States and into Central America and the Caribbean. Migratory in northern parts of its range.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester that creates holes used subsequently by numerous other secondary cavity-nesting birds and mammals. Acts as a key predator in controlling ground-dwelling ant populations.
Similar Species
Red-shafted Flicker, Gilded Flicker, and various other woodpecker species. Distinguished by the specific warm brown tones, broad black band, and white tip unique to the Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker morph.
Interesting Facts
Northern Flickers are specialized ant-eaters, capable of eating thousands of ants in a single day using a barbed tongue that can extend two inches beyond the tip of their bill.
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor tip wear and slight fraying at the edges, typical of a naturally molted feather exposed to normal environmental wear.